Isaiah

By Mary Jane Chaignot

The title of the book is derived from its opening words: the vision of Isaiah, son of Amoz which he saw…." Four kings are mentioned, suggesting a time of 25 years. And while most scholars accept the historicity of a person named Isaiah, they are also in agreement that the material in the book covers a much longer span. It is almost universally agreed that chapters 1-39 describe events in Isaiah's own lifetime, roughly 739-701 BCE. Chapters 40-55 reflect the period of exile (605-539BCE), and chapters 56-66 the return, approximately 539-500BCE. Scholars often identify these three distinct historical periods as First, Second (Deutero/DI), and Third (Trito/TI) Isaiah. It makes for interesting arguments over the unity of the book.

Most scholars deal with this by making a distinction between Isaiah, the prophet, and Isaiah, the book. Some argue that the latter periods are simply the prophecy of the historical Isaiah. Others argue for three distinct authors, in sync with the one overarching message throughout the book: God is in control of historical events and is using them to achieve His divine goals for His people. Isaiah began his prophetic ministry at the very time when Israel began to feel the heavy hand of Assyria. It is the Assyrian threat, then, that is behind the oracles of doom that dot the first twelve chapters. This is followed by a period of prophetic silence because the King (Ahaz, at this point) made an alliance with Assyria. Upon the death of Ahaz, Isaiah returned to his ministry. He began to look beyond his times and called for faith in Yahweh, all the while continuing to denounce the intrigues of the political leaders. During his later years, the kings worked on an alliance with Egypt, which Isaiah labeled as a "covenant with death." Indeed, the Assyrians were quick to put down the rebellion engineered by the alliance and picked off the Judean cities one by one, eventually holding Hezekiah under siege in Jerusalem. Hezekiah's submission and agreement to pay tribute staved off total destruction for the city. Although Isaiah saw the Assyrian king to be the instrument of God's chastisement for Judea, he also knew that the conquerors would be humbled after they had fulfilled God's purposes. He was, therefore, convinced that Jerusalem would survive.

It did survive, but its inhabitants were taken into exile in 567BCE - the background for chapters 40-55. In contrast to the earlier prophecies of doom and gloom, these verses sparkle with a message of hope and joy to come, a prosperity that would never end. In the events that had occurred, this author saw the fulfillment of God's plan. Judah had been punished for her sins, but a new day was at hand. God had a new plan, a new beginning in store for his people. Within these sixteen chapters are some of the most dramatic verses in the Bible. Themes of creation, history, and redemption all highlight God's work in the world, leading the author to exultant praise. Included in these passages are the Servant Songs, poems that portray the Servant and his function in the purpose of God. In these poems the Servant suffers, not for his own sins, but for the sins of others. But through his suffering and death, he affects God's saving purpose. In its time, the Hebrew people thought the Servant to be Israel or the prophet. Since the days of the New Testament, however, the verses have typically been interpreted as pointing to Christ.

The final chapters 56-66 deal with encouraging and supporting those who returned to Jerusalem, where things were very different from when they had left. Although the return was seen as fulfillment of Deutero-Isaiah's prophecy, the reality fell far short from a triumphant return. They were only granted a small portion of their land, which did include the city of Jerusalem. They had to interface with people who had stayed behind as well as with those who had moved in to occupy the desolate land. It was a time of disappointments, disillusions, and divisions among those who returned. They surely needed a prophetic word.

All three sections of Isaiah emphasize God's special relationship with his people. The main themes are promise and fulfillment in an ongoing pattern. When God's promises are fulfilled, there are additional promises leading to further fulfillment. The final chapters explore issues of salvation and judgment, with the Servant involved in both aspects.

The book itself was known by the time of Chronicles, roughly around 400 BCE. There were never any issues regarding its canonicity. The book has always been highly regarded both before and after the New Testament period. This is evidenced by the many quotes and allusions from Isaiah found throughout the New Testament and on the lips of Jesus and Paul.

In addition to the three main divisions, there are several subdivisions. I -- Chapters 1-39: Threats against the people (1-12), Threats against foreign peoples (13-23), and Promises to God's people (24-39). II -- Chapters 40-55: Living under the Babylonians (40-48), A light to the nations: return to Palestine (49-55). III -- Chapters 56-66: The restored community.

I The Vision of Isaiah 1-39

1-12 -- Threats against the People

1:1

Superscription

1:2-6:13

The Vision of Isaiah

1:2-9

The charge against Israel

1:10-17

Contrasting ways to relate to God (empty ceremony/ethical purity)

1:18-20

Invitation to obey and repent (He knows they won't)

1:21-31

Announcement of judgment

2:1-4:6

What Israel is versus what Israel will be

2:1-5

Ultimate destiny of House of Jacob

2:6-22

Foolishness of humanity trying to exalt itself

Discourse on "The Day of the Lord" (Day of judgment)

3:1-15

Dependence on humanity leads to dissolution

Judah is foolish to elevate those who were destroying them

3:16-4:1

Metaphor of a wealthy woman reduced to begging

4:2-6

God will not give up on these people

5:1-30

Reality of Israel's current situation

5:1-7

Lament for a vineyard that is not fruitful

5:8-24

Six woes re: the bad grapes and wasting of vineyard

5:25-30

Yahweh's reaction to wasted vineyard

6:1-13

God is closing their minds; things are so bad, judgment is inevitable

7:1-9:7

Northern tribes have joined forces with Syria. Both have been forced to become part of Assyria. They are putting pressure on Judah to help gain their independence. They are unsuccessful; both capitals are sacked.

7:1-9

Isaiah encourages Ahaz (Judah's king) to trust God, not humans

7:10-17

Isaiah offers a sign: virgin will be with child, call him Immanuel

7:18-25

Isaiah's warning to Ahaz includes four calamities

8:1-10

Additional warnings; allies' plan will not last

8:11-15

Isaiah shares God's private words and describes the traps they face

8:18-22

Isaiah practices what he preaches

9:1-7

God's promise of a Son - Counselor, Prince of Peace Christians claim Jesus fulfills these promises

9:8-10:4

Six woes spelling disaster for Israel

(May reflect the fall of Israel to Assyria in 722BCE)

Ending is a warning that God's anger is not sated

10:5-11:16

Despite being an instrument of God's judgment, Assyria will also be humbled. Woe to the Assyrian that exalts himself.

10:20-34

A remnant will survive

11:1-16

Israel will grow again

12:1-6

Songs of Praise to sing on the day of salvation

13-23 - Threats Against Foreign Peoples

13:1-14:27

Prophecy against Babylon

Babylon was an unhappy underling of Assyria at this point. Within a century, they will invade Assyria and become the major power in the life of the southern kingdom. Their ultimate fall is described.

One cannot thwart God's plans.

14:28-17:14

Prophecies against Judah's neighbors

14:28-32

Prophecies against Assyria and the Philistines

15:1-16:14

The destruction of Moab

Description of the enemies' attack and its result:

Moab is undone

17:1-14

Oracles about Damascus, Ephraim, and Assyria

18:1-20:6

Prophecies against Ethiopia and Egypt

Judah tries to unite with them against the

Assyrians to no avail

All would fall in accordance with God's judgment

21:1-17

Oracles against Babylon, Edom, and Arabia

Description of the utter confusion and terror of the fall of Babylon

Irony is, of course, the fall of Babylon liberated Judah

22:1-25

A prophecy about Jerusalem

22:1-14

Their exultant rejoicing about deliverance is way premature

God has not finished with them

22:15-25

Address to leaders who fail - analogous to Jerusalem

23:1-18

Oracles against Sidon and Tyre

23:1-14

Descriptions of their destruction

23:15-18

Descriptions of their future rehabilitation and dedication to God

24-39 -- Promises to God's People

24: 1-27:13

Devastation, then renewal for the entire land

24:1-13

A vision of the land laid waste

24:14-16

Choirs sing to the glory of the One who is Righteous

24:17-23

The prophet struggles with the calamity to come

25:1-12

Thanksgiving for the end of the enemy; hope for end of suffering

26:1-19

A song of praise to the Lord for establishing peace

26:19-27:13

Prophecy that Israel will be protected and renewed

28:1-33:24

A collection of woe prophesies against Israel's leaders. It is thought that at this point, Jerusalem had declared independence from Assyria and aligned itself with Egypt. The leaders were ignoring Isaiah's prophecies.

28:1-13

First Ephraim, then Jerusalem

28:14-22

Scoffers have made a covenant with death

28:23-29

Images from agriculture make the point that everything happens in God's own time

29:1-24

Oracle against Jerusalem (here called "Ariel")

Punishment, then consolation

"People honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me"

The mockers will be brought down; the humble will rejoice

30:1-17

Judah did not consult God regarding its foreign policy Oracle describes the foolishness of Judah in relying upon Egypt Isaiah's prophecies are a record of the rebelliousness of Judah

30:18-26

Judgment has its counterpart of grace

The people will weep no more

"Your ears will hear a voice… 'This is the way; walk in it."

30:27-33

The Lord will come in power

Judah's enemies will be destroyed

31:1-32:20

Isaiah tries again to reach Judah - Woe to those who rely on Egypt. Eventually, even these mighty nations will be destroyed.

31:1-5

Trust in the Lord

31:6-9

A call for repentance and the defeat of Assyria

32:1-8

A kingdom of righteousness

After the downfall of Assyria, there will be a just government

32:9-15

A message for the women of Jerusalem

There will be terrible suffering and a new social world

32:16-20

Judgment will not be the last word - renewal and peace

33:1-24

A series of woe oracles summarizing many points made earlier

33:2-6

The Lord will be gracious

33:7-9

Promise of the future contrasts with present hardships

33:10-24

God promises to act

"And the sins of those who dwell there will be forgiven."

34:1-35:10

Judgment against the nations and renewal

34:1-17

Proclamation of a total and universal judgment

35:1-10

Joy of salvation among the redeemed people

"Then will the eyes of the blind be opened…the lame will leap like a hart."

36:1-39:8

Historical information regarding Hezekiah's faith

Information here is virtually identical to 2 Kings 18:13, 17-19:37; 2 Chron 32:9-26. Judah is in midst of national crisis in 701 BCE due to Assyrian threat.

36:1-10

Sennacherib sends message - "On what are you confident?"

Boasts that Yahweh was on the side of Assyria

36:11-20

Intimidation of Judah

Messengers speak in Hebrew, taunt the people to rebel against Hezekiah

Yahweh will deal with Sennacherib. Hezekiah will be given a sign, but it's for the future. For the moment, he has to trust.

37:35-38

End of Assyrian threat and death of Sennacherib

38:1-39:8

Hezekiah's illness and recovery

38:1-8

Isaiah informs Hezekiah of his impending death

Hezekiah prays to Yahweh and death is averted

38:9-22

Hezekiah's thanksgiving after his recovery

39:1-8

Babylonian envoys foreshadow ominous threat of exile

But Hezekiah will enjoy peace in his lifetime

II God's Promises 40-55

in Babylon, roughly 150 years after the time of Isaiah. Judgment has occurred. A new message of grace and mercy is given to another "Isaiah."

40-48 - Living Under the Babylonians

40:1-11

The prophet is commissioned to comfort the people

"Prepare ye the way of the Lord."

40:12-31

Yahweh is about to act

He is Creator and Lord of history and cannot be compared with anyone

He gives strength to the weary

41:1-7

Scene opens with a courtroom; Israelites are helpless

Yahweh will raise up one from the East (Cyrus)

41:8-20

Extent of Yahweh's commitment to Israel

"Do not fear, I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God."

41:21-29

Invitation to Israel to come to court to argue who is God

42:1-9

First of four Servant Songs

Description of the "Servant" includes some of the most familiar lines in Isa.

Scholars argue over the identity of the servant - Isaiah, Israel?

Servant speaks with the authority of Yahweh

42:10-17

Invitation to praise for what Yahweh is about to do

42:18-25

Yahweh confronts Israel about their ability to be his servant

43:1-7

Despite the declaration of guilt, Yahweh claims them

Delivers a "fear not" oracle

43:8-13

Another court scene wherein Israel testifies to God's power

43:14-21

Babylon will fall, followed by a promise of salvation

43:22-28

The punishment inflicted was inevitable consequence for sins

44:1-5

Israel has been chosen "from the womb"

44:6-23

It will not be idols but God who delivers Israel

44:9-20

Images of scorn re: idol-making

44:24-45:8

The appointing of Cyrus

Yahweh will use him to bring the people back to Yahweh

45:9-13

People cannot accept the prophet's message

45:14-25

Nonetheless, it is Yahweh who has cared for them forever

The nations will come to the feet of Israel

46:1-47:15

The fall of Babylon and their gods

46:1-7

Prophet addresses the gods of Babylon by name to humiliate them

46:8-13

Community has to acknowledge the power of Yahweh

47:1-15

The fall of Babylon

All the resources at their command cannot stop the destruction

48:1-22

Israel is invited to respond

Address to Israel summons them to leave Babylon

48:1-11

Israel's stubbornness will not keep Yahweh from acting in history

48:12-22

People are to "listen"

Yahweh will not abandon them; they are to prepare to leave Babylon

49-55 - Israel will be a Light to the Nations

49:1-7

The second "Servant Song"

Servant laments his lack of success with the people but renews his faith

49:8-13

He is reassured by recounting Yahweh's care for the people

49:14-26

Images of a restored and reinhabited Zion

50:1-3

Yahweh's relationship with Israel is likened to a marriage

50:4-11

The third "Servant Song"

Despite his lack of success, he knows Yahweh will assist and vindicate him

He cannot lose with Yahweh on his side

51:1-16

Exhortation of the people to "listen," "pay heed," and "awake, awake"

51:17-52:2

The cup of judgment

The people must realize their hardships are the result of judgment, not chance

Their only hope is for salvation, for the fulfillment of God's purpose

Ending with a call for joy

52:3-12

Various hymns calling for praise for God's acts of redemption

52:13-53:9

The fourth "Servant Song"

In these verses, the servant is humiliated, put to death

It is clear that the servant suffered for the sins of others

53:10-12

They are vindicated through his death

Again, many familiar passages in relation to Christ's death

54:1-10

The future of Zion

If chronological, then the servant's work has been accomplished

Prophet leads call for praise, using metaphor of a woman restored

Again, theme of covenant is likened to marriage

54:11-17

The New Jerusalem

Many of these images were expanded in book of Revelation

Buildings are costly and beautiful

Divine blessings will be permanent

55:1-13

Invitation to a great banquet

Urging of the people to accept invitation to their own land and

Yahweh's protection as in the days of David

Use of parable of a busy marketplace

"Seek the Lord while he may be found."

Ending on a pastoral note: The Lord's everlasting sign will not be destroyed

56-66 - The Restored Community

56:1-8

Warnings to keep the moral law

The hopes expressed in 40-55 paled in light of harsh realities of return

Loyalty to the covenant is paramount as is full acceptance by God

Can include foreigners, eunuchs

56:9-57:13

Current leaders are inadequate, unworthy, and subject to idolatry

Probably a reflection of the leadership of the people who had stayed behind

Those who promote debased religion will be summoned, charged, and judged

Abhorrence by true worshipper of Yahweh

57:14-21

Message to those who believe but are overwhelmed by others' lack of faith; yet all is not lost. Only those opposed to Yahweh will suffer

58:1-14

Dealing with the practice of fasting in its religious significance

Prophet warns people they are not in right relation to Yahweh

Preparations must be made, get themselves ready - fasting and prayer

Their struggles indicate they are not worshiping properly

They do the outward ceremonies, but with no real internal piety, faith

59:1-8

Yahweh is not to blame for troubles; he is mighty and willing to save

Their sufferings are a result of their sins

59:9-20

Several people confess their sins and their faith that God will act soon

They recognize that God is at work in the horrible situation

60:1-62:12

The promise of a New Jerusalem

The great expectations of Second Isaiah have not been realized. It is possible that the temple has been rebuilt, but it is only a shadow of its former glory. Therefore the words of Second Isaiah need to be repeated

60:1-9

The day will come when all the exiles will return with all their wealth

60:10-18

Description of the rebuilding of Jerusalem - great opulence

This never happened, could be describing a spiritual city

60:19-22

All opposition to God will disappear

61:1-11

Prophetic call is to preach healing and liberation to a stressed people

Yahweh promises to restore their rights - inheritance, joy

62:1-12

The intercessory nature of prophecy

He is confident that his prayers will be answered

(The exiles have returned, but the land is occupied and life is difficult)

63:1-6

Battlefield language that recounts overcoming evil

It is in form of dialogue - questioner is city sentinel; responder is Yahweh

War is difficult, ugly

63:7-19

Psalm of lament for the community

A confession of faith that includes preparation for penitence and supplication

Lament over current situation and prayer for forgiveness and help

64:1-12

Continuation of psalm of lament

Confession of the uniqueness of God, the certainty of his divine appearing

65:1-66:24

Oracles of Judgment

It is likely that the community was comprised of both faithful and unfaithful individuals. Throughout these oracles promise alternates with threat. Salvation and judgment will be extended to all of mankind

65:1-7

Pronouncement of judgment

Those who reject Yahweh and have embraced unholy practice face judgment

The verdict will be public; Yahweh will be silent no longer

65:8-16

If the disloyal will be destroyed, the faithful will be saved

Real descendants are those who are obedient to the covenant

Future of Israel will be determined by a remnant within Judea

65:17-25

Ultimately, the world will be transformed

The transformation of the world will restore it to

God's original purpose

66:1-4

Words spoken, perhaps, after the temple had been restored to remind the people that it is only the focal point for worship. True worship of God is derived from genuine humility and reverence

66:5-6

The unfaithful will be brought to shame

66:7-17

The faithful will be comforted like a mother comforts her child

They will be glad at heart

66:18-24

All nations will share in Israel's position; they will proclaim the glory of God to all the world. The new age and the nation will endure forever. The last verse describes the fate of those who rebel against God. It indicates the seriousness of Israel's privilege and responsibility as God's agent in the world

Thus ends the first book of the prophets. Most of these verses are addressed to real people in real situations, people who were acting in ways contrary to a people of God. Whether it was kings making alliances with other nations or the people turning to other gods, the prophet stood as God's messenger to all. It was a message that mostly went unheeded, and judgment was severe. During the exile, he brought a message of hope and redemption; during the restoration of Jerusalem, he brought a message of encouragement and support. The people were not magically transported out of a difficult situation, but they were given the tools to survive and the assurance of God's presence with them.